‘Messi’ magic

Chevonne 'Messi' Marsh produced his best performance since returning from a nose injury a few weeks ago, assisting the first and scoring the second goal for Cavalier - even though he only played little over an hour - in a 3-0 win over Boys' Town at Stadium East on Sunday.

However, he could be back on the sidelines again after picking up a knock to the knee.

Jeffrey Henry added the third goal for Cavalier, who were winning their first game in 11 matches and their first of the second round. They remain eighth with 27 points but climbed four points clear of Boys' Town.

Marsh was Cavalier's standout attacker during their hot first-round streak. However, the former Calabar High talisman broke his nose against Rivoli United in December at the start of the second round, and his absence because of the injury synchronised with Cavalier's dip in form.

The midfielder only returned to action this month, and, although he has taken some time getting back to his best, on Sunday, he showed he is nearing the form that helped Cavalier to the top of the league.

Twenty-seven minutes into the contest, Marcelino Blackburn got behind Boys' Town's defence and set up Marsh for the opener. Ten minutes later, the roles were reversed as Marsh set up Blackburn similarly to make it 2-0.

The tricky attacker also hit the bar and nearly had a penalty when he was brought down by goalkeeper Jerald Eastwood on top of the area, a challenge that resulted in him picking up the injury and exiting the game eight minutes into the second half.

"This is actually my best performance since I returned from injury. Unfortunately, I got injured, and that was disappointing to me and my team, but we got the three points," said Marsh.

"We have been working hard to get back into the top four, and I am thankful for the three points and that I scored."

turning point

Marsh is well aware of his importance to his team and believes the win could mark the turning point in their season.

"When I was out, I read the comments from fans, coaches, and teammates, and everyone expected great things. My presence alone lifted my team and lifted our performance, and I am always motivating my team.

"It's in our position to make the top four. Before the game, I said, if we win, it would build our confidence and help us strive to get back into the top four and challenge for the title. So this (win) is a stepping stone," he continued.

The young attacker hopes his latest injury does not keep him out for long as he aims to be a part of the Copa America or Gold Cup squad this year.

main goal

"Coach Schaefer has made a big comment on my performance, and my aim is to make the Copa (America) team or the Gold Cup team. To come off a nose injury and get another injury is bad, but I hope it's not for long and I can be back by the next two games to do great things again as once I'm in (playing), I will do great things as my aim is to make the Copa or Gold Cup team," he declared.

Meanwhile, Cavalier's coach, Rudolph Speid, noted that his team's injury crisis was over and he expected them to rekindle their semi-final ambitions.

"That is always the objective (top four). This is our first victory in the second round, and that's why it's so pleasing to us. Our pickings from the second round were meagre, and we'll look to change it in the third round drastically," he stated.